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BBA News Release

Saying that "too many poor people now face eviction or an
abusive spouse without a lawyer to help them navigate an often complex legal
system," Boston Bar Association
(BBA) President J.D. Smeallie today announced the creation of a
twenty-seven person statewide task force that will determine the unmet need for
civil legal aid across the state and examine the most cost effective way to meet
that need.

"This first stage will involve determining which geographic
and demographic segments of the Commonwealth are in greatest need of civil legal
aid, but not getting it," said Smeallie. "As part of this initial stage, we will
seek to quantify the expected cost of providing civil legal aid to those in
need, as well of the economic benefits or cost savings to the state associated
with providing counsel in matters such as evictions and domestic violence. Our
analysis will also attempt to determine which geographic areas and populations
would offer the greatest return on funds directed toward increased civil legal
aid," Smeallie added.

The second stage of the task force's
effort will focus on identifying various ways to deliver civil legal aid in the
most cost effective manner. "There may be opportunities to provide legal
assistance to poor people which does not require the presence of a lawyer in
every instance," said Smeallie. "The Massachusetts Access to Justice
Commission
has done some
terrific work in this area and we will look for their thoughts and ideas in that
regard."

The BBA task force expects to release its recommendations
within one year, and will be modeled on a similar study
performed in New York
State.

Those on the roster of the BBA Statewide Task Force on Civil Legal Aid
in Massachusetts include:

The Boston Bar Association traces its origins to meetings convened by John Adams, who provided pro bono representation to the British soldiers prosecuted for the Boston Massacre and went on to become the nation’s second president. Its mission is to advance the highest standards of excellence for the legal profession, facilitate access to justice, serve the community at large and promote diversity and inclusion.